China says its people will never allow Taiwan independence

China’s 1.3 billion people are united in their determination never to allow self-ruled Taiwan to become independent, China’s top official in charge of ties with the island was quoted as saying on Thursday, in Beijing’s latest blast at Taipei.

China has repeatedly warned Taiwan’s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, whose leader Tsai Ing-wen assumed the presidency last week, of negative consequences if they fail to recognize Taiwan is a part of China under Beijing’s “one China” principle.

Tsai has said democratic principles will rule Taiwan’s ties with Beijing and urged China in her inaugural speech Friday to “set aside the baggage of history” and engage in positive dialogue.

Meeting a group of Taiwan business representatives in Beijing, Zhang Zhijun, head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said anything that goes against the “one China” principle would only bring tension and upheaval to ties. Read More